The New York Liberty survived a furious Indiana Fever rally Saturday night, defeating the Fever 109-102 at Barclays Center in a game that came down to the final two minutes.
Breanna Stewart scored 22 points, while Leonie Fiebich made an immediate impact in her return from a lengthy absence, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists as New York improved to 23-15 on the season. Jonquel Jones added 19 points and 10 rebounds. (CBS Sports)
For the Liberty, it was an important response after Indiana had won the teams’ previous two meetings.
For the Fever, it was a frustrating finish to a game they had nearly stolen.
Fiebich Returns With a Statement
Fiebich hadn’t played since July 3 because of a left foot injury, but she looked more than ready to return.
The Liberty wing provided a major boost on both ends of the floor, scoring 20 points while adding five rebounds and five assists.
Her defensive impact was just as important. Fiebich was frequently matched up with Caitlin Clark and helped limit the Fever star to 2-for-7 shooting when Fiebich was her primary defender.
Fiebich also delivered one of the game’s biggest plays when New York needed it most.
Fever Rally From Behind
Indiana refused to let the game slip away.
The Fever erased a sizeable deficit in the fourth quarter, using a 7-0 run to cut New York’s advantage to one with just over four minutes remaining.
Then Kelsey Mitchell delivered the shot that appeared to change the game.
Following a Sophie Cunningham steal, Mitchell knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 100-100 with less than two minutes remaining.
Suddenly, the Liberty’s lead was gone and the Fever had all the momentum.
But New York responded.
Liberty Close It Out
With the game tied at 100-100, Stewart went to the free-throw line and made one of two attempts to give the Liberty a 101-100 lead.
Indiana missed on its next possession.
That’s when Fiebich made another huge play.
With 57.5 seconds remaining, Fiebich scored and drew a foul, extending New York’s lead. She missed the ensuing free throw, leaving Indiana with another opportunity.
Caitlin Clark drove toward the basket on the Fever’s next possession but missed a running layup.
Fiebich came down with the rebound.
That rebound proved critical.
Indiana was forced to foul, and with 29.0 seconds remaining, Pauline Astier stepped to the line and calmly knocked down both free throws.
The Liberty had pushed their lead to 105-100.
Indiana couldn’t recover.
New York finished the game at the free-throw line and secured the 109-102 victory.
Mitchell Continues Historic Scoring Streak
Despite the loss, Kelsey Mitchell continued to make WNBA history.
Mitchell scored 25 points, extending her WNBA-record streak to 22 consecutive games with at least 20 points.
Aliyah Boston added 22 points, while Clark finished with 21 points and seven assists for Indiana.
The Fever fall to 24-14 with the loss.
A Statement Win for New York
This wasn’t simply another regular-season game for the Liberty.
Indiana had beaten New York in each of their previous two meetings, including a 106-92 victory earlier this month. The Fever had also established themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams.
New York needed an answer.
It got one.
The return of Fiebich provided the Liberty with a much-needed two-way presence, while Stewart, Jones and the rest of the roster executed when the game tightened up in the closing minutes.
The Liberty may have allowed 102 points, but their ability to make the necessary defensive plays and execute offensively during the final minute ultimately made the difference.
And perhaps most importantly, New York showed it could withstand Indiana’s best punch.
The Fever tied the game at 100.
The Liberty answered with nine of the game’s final 11 points.
Final: New York Liberty 109, Indiana Fever 102.
Key Performers
New York Liberty
- Breanna Stewart — 22 points, 8 rebounds
- Leonie Fiebich — 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jonquel Jones — 19 points, 10 rebounds
Indiana Fever
- Kelsey Mitchell — 25 points
- Aliyah Boston — 22 points, 6 assists
- Caitlin Clark — 21 points, 7 assists
